So I'm picking up my 320d Sport Plus Touring next week and I'm a little out of practice with what to look/look out for on a new motor. The last couple of cars have just been 'cars' delivered on a low loader, driven for three years and then handed back. My dealer will probably offer to deliver but I'm inclined to pick it up from them.

So apart from the obvious (it's the right colour), what should I be looking for? And am I right going to them or should I get them to deliver? Should I even go extreme and ask them not to do the PDI clean on the exterior? Questions, questions...

I know what you're saying about the number plates. I see this and it drives me crackers.

No, nothing signed yet. I think the car has only just landed at the dealers. I'll be having a good look round it but have to keep a cool head and not rush. I'll more than likely pick it up but one advantage of my workplace is I can drive a car straight inside and the lighting shows up any paint imperfections or hazing.

Probably a bit late now but if it's not yet at the dealers and still awaiting preparation at central holding I would definitely have it delivered to your door. It will get PDI'd at central holdings and delivered on a low loader, not driven, and won't even go via the dealership where you risk malcolm cleaning it with paper towels etc.

You sign all the paperwork at the dealer prior to it being delivered but don't actually sign to accept the car until it arrives. If there's problems then it can all be noted on the delivery form, if it's really bad then reject it's delivery. I think worst case scenario would only be something small in any case. I missed a small scratch by the fuel flap and another small scuff mark on the OSF bumper. *Both easily removed!

Basically check every panel individually before moving onto the next including alloys. Get down under the front bumper and check the lower skirt as that's what gets scuffed in transit.

If you can I would cancel the Seal & Protect and save yourself £500 as it's a load of toosh and spend some of that saved at cleanyourcar.com on some quality cleaning products starting with a good lambs wool wash mit and a couple of buckets with grit guards. If you're feeling brave specify it not to be washed at all then do it yourself properly when it arrives. Check our detailingworld.com and hear it from the experts.

You would also have enough cash left for GAP insurance (if it's a personal purchase on finance) I would steer clear of BMW's as it's twice the price of elsewhere. Plus if your'e having finance and combine BMW Seal & Protect and GAP insurance, when lumping it in with the car you're going to also pay interest on the privilege of being ripped off!

Re: GAP. I was going to ask anyway and see what they can do for me. The vehicle will be on contract hire and we had our fingers burned a few years ago when a year old van got written off.

Just saw your other post so can see you know the score on miracle treatments!

With the GAP I'm planning on going with Surf & Protect. Came out quite competitive. Got upto three months to purchase from date of registration. You can defer it for a year because most car insurances cover new for old in the first year so it's a wasted year. Check your car insurance though because I was amazed at the big names who don't cover new for old also some now charge extra for factory fit options! Admiral were going to charge me extra for heated seats and parking sensors!

And I've had confirmation of collection a week tomorrow. Not bad for the Bank Holiday weekend

I'm really pleased with the early delivery as it was supposed to be second week in May and our new baby due the week before. It would have probably been about a month before I'd have had chance to play with the motor. That said, a couple of friends have said my wife will probably go into labour early just to spite me. When I asked my dealer why it was early he said Munich probably saw my name on the order and didn't want to give me chance to cancel again...

Well the Saab's gone back today and talking of what to look for, the woman from the lease company that came to pick it up was so excited(!) about driving it back to wherever that she missed the foot high scuff/scratch on the edge of the rear bumper where my wife had a little mishap with a concrete car park pillar.